Method and assembly of universal jamb and trim molding

ABSTRACT

A multiple use molding assembly, primarily designed as a door jamb or window frame molding, including a central elongate member forming the jamb, and a pair of elongate stock pieces, forming jamb trim, all joined by a decorative laminate so that the trim may be folded about the jamb to accommodate the surface on which the assembly is mounted. The central member may be split, joined by pins, and have a door stop over the split. Rigid clips or flexible straps may join the jamb pieces together. The straps have tension means to anchor the straps firmly. When used as a door jamb assembly, the trim pieces are folded so that the jamb assembly may be inserted into a doorway opening; the trim pieces are then unfolded and nailed or secured into place. The method of making the molding includes rabbeting a shallow groove in a stiff sheet surface, along a folding line, rabbeting a deep groove in the reverse side of the sheet along the same line, applying an adhesively fixed laminate over the shallow groove, and rerabbeting the deep groove to the shallow groove so that the sheet may be folded.

United States Patent [191 Kvalheim et a1.

[54] METHOD AND ASSEMBLY OF UNIVERSAL JAMB AND TRIM MOLDING [76]Inventors: Andrew M. Kvalheim; Irwin S. Kvalheim, both of PO. Drawer A,Petaluma, Calif. 94952 [22] Filed: June 19, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 47,686

[52] US. Cl. ..49/504, 52/204, 52/21 1,

52/631, 52/658- [51] Int. Cl. ..E06b 1/04 [58,] Field of Search..49/504; 52/204, 21 1,

52/213, 631, 656, 657, 658; 160/381; 287/l89.36 H, 20.92 C

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 606,792 8/1948 Great Britain ..49/504 [4 1 May 1,1973

Primary Examiner-J. Karl Bell Attorney-Keith Misegades and George R.Douglas, Jr.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A multiple use molding assembly, primarily designed as adoor jamb or window frame molding, including a central elongate memberforming the jamb, and a pair of elongate stock pieces, forming jambtrim, all joined by a decorative laminate so that the trim may be foldedabout the jamb to accommodate the surface on which the assembly ismounted. The central member may be split, joined by pins, and have adoor stop over the split. Rigid clips or flexible straps may join thejamb pieces together. The straps have tension means to anchor the strapsfirmly. When used as a door jamb assembly, the trim pieces are folded sothat the jamb assembly may be inserted into a doorway opening; the trimpieces are then unfolded and nailed or secured into place. The method ofmaking the molding includes rabbeting a shallow groove in a stiff sheetsurface, along a folding line, rabbeting a deep groove in the reverseside of the sheet along the same line, applying an adhesively fixedlaminate over the shallow groove, and re-rabbeting the deep groove tothe shallow groove so that the sheet may be folded.

16 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures G) G E E5 FIG 2 Patented May 1, 19733,729,870

.5 Sheets-Sheet 1 b z Q9 36 IO FIG.4

FlG.l

IRWIN S. KVALHEiM W m #PW' mvsn'rbs, I

ANDREW M. IKVALHEIM,

Pafented May 1, 1973 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 /H. N Y b INVENTORS ANDREW M. KVALHEIM IRWIN S. KVALHEIM Patented May 1, 1973 .5 Sheets-Sheet 4 mvanwnsANDREW M. KVALHEIM IRWIN s. KVALHEIM #P y BY f ll/l ATTORNEYS PatentedMay l, 1973 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 24

INVENTORS ANDREW M.. KVALHEIM IRWIN s. KVALHEIM ATTORNEYS METHOD ANDASSEMBLY OF UNIVERSAL JAMB AND TRIM MOLDING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention solves a heretofore continuing problem in the buildingand construction industry by providing a multi-use molding assemblyeasily adapted to a variety of uses, such as a door jamb assembly orwindow frame molding, to name but two. The invention is finished with apleasing, wood-grain-appean'ng surface laminate, which serves thepurposes of being aesthetically pleasing while allowing multiple foldingof the material to conform to the surface to which it is applied. Onceinstalled, further finishing is not required.

Due to the increasing and even prohibitive cost of wood of decorativequality, an inexpensive substrate, such as plywood, covered with anelastic laminate such as vinyl has become quite popular as a substitutefor expensive wood finishing. As a general proposition, such material isnot novel per se. U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,340,665, issued to John O. -Kohl,and 3,277,624 issued to Richard R. Cornell show a window frame and adecorative ceiling beams made of such material, respectively.

Problems arise when the material is formed so as to be bent about apredetermined line so the material may accommodate the surface to becovered or aesthetic purpose to be served, as in the Cornell patentabove mentioned. U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,168,234, issued to Rudolf F. Onsrud;2,505,789, issued to Glenn I-l. Norquist; 3,322,171 and 3,456,701,issued to Richard R. Cornell; and 3,420,142, issued to Leo R. Gale, et3.1., each attack the problem in varying ways. However, none of thesesolves the problem of avoiding tearing or wrinltling of the laminateupon folding of the material. The process of the instant inventionproposes double rabbeting of a groove in the material along apredetermined bending line so that the laminate is not ruptured.

The instant invention also encompasses distinct uses forthe materialformed by the novel process, specifically, as a door jamb assembly andas window frame molding. As a door jamb assembly, the inventioncomprises a central member, forming the strike and hinge jambs, and thedoorway header, and side stock pieces forming jamb trim members, andattached to the central member by the laminate only, so that the trimmay be folded into an installed position. U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,222,833issued to Harold L. Woodrum; and 3,440,783, issued to Milton L. Hughesboth illustrate problems encountered in attempting to install jambassemblies having rigid trim members. On the other hand, the instantinvention may be installed as one piece, in a one step operation, withtrim members on one side folded out of the way so that the jamb assemblymay be inserted in the doorway opening.

A pair of corner clips may be used to join head and side jambs of a doorjamb assembly, or window frame molding to form a rigid single structure.The clip is similar to clip 55 (FIGS. l6, 17) in U. S. Pat. No. 2,742,l17, issued to John A. Tolman, save that the Tolman clip is usedas anadjustable connector for opposite halves of a metal jamb assembly. As asubstitute, a novel flexible strap and tension assembly may be used tojoin head and side jambs together, which assembly is not shown in theprior art.

The door jamb assembly may be secured in the doorway opening by blindshims. Such shims are shown in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,350,123, issued toRobert C. Loving,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention claimed is a multi-use moldingassembly having a central member and two side trim members, flexiblyattached thereto as by a decorative surfaced laminate, so the moldingmay accommodate the surface upon which it is mounted. The central andtrim members have bevelled, abutting edges to prevent tearing of thelaminate by the substrate. The assembly may be used as a door jamb orwindow frame molding structure, and include rigid or flexible meansinterconnecting jamb sections. Shims are provided for installation. Thenovel process of manufacture of the invention includes forming thecentral and side members from a single stock piece, rabbeting a pair ofgrooves on opposite sides of the stock piece to demarcate the two sidemembers from the central member, laminating an elastic covering thereon,and re-rabbeting one of the pairs of grooves on one side of the stockpiece to form the central and two side members. The method of installing a door jamb formed from the novel molding assembly includesfolding one set of trim members, inserting the door jamb into thedoorway opening, and refolding of the trim members and finalinstallation of the door jamb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further and more complete objects andadvantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to thefollowing specification and drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the invention showingprogressive stages of manufacture;

FIG. 2 is an elevational schematic view illustrating the process offorming the invention;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are illustrative sectional views of the invention usedas a door jamb, window frame trim, and half of a split jamb piece;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the invention used as a door jamb;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, perspective view showing a flexible strap usedto join the head and side jamb shown in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 and 11 are views similar to FIG. 8, illustrating otherembodiments of the flexible strap;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along lines Ill-10 of FIG.9;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are each fractional sectional views taken alonglines 12-l2, 13 -13, and 14-44 of FIG. 7, respectively;

FIGS. 15, l6, l7 and 18 are further fractional sectional viewsillustrating installation of the invention as a foor jamb; 7

FIGS. 19 and 20 are partial perspective views showing the invention usedas a window frame molding;

FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 are fragmentary views showing yet another embodimentof the invention used as a door jamb;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 13, but showing the invention as asplit door jamb; and

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view illustrating a rigidcorner clip used to join a head and side jamb together.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawingsby reference character, and in particular FIGS. 1 through 6 inclusive, abase or substrate 10 is indicated in FIG. 1, ready for application of anelastic laminate by the process schematically shown in FIG. 2, and FIG.3 illustrates the finished product, comprising an elongate centralmember 12, side stock pieces 14 and 16, and laminate l8. Substrate 10 isshown formed from plywood, but particle board or other suitable materialmay be used instead. At any rate, substrate 10 is first generallymachined to approximate final dimensions by cutting elongate anglegrooves and 22 on each side of substrate l0, and rabbeting a pair ofV-grooves 24 and 26, immediately above grooves 20 and 22. In thefinished product, these grooves will constitute bending points for theside stock pieces 14 and 16, with respect to the elongate centralmember. The cross-sectional configuration of V-grooves 24 and 26 may bea straight 90 cut, or the upper edges of the cut may be chamfered orrounded. The point is that grooves 24 and 26 should be rabbeted so thatundue stretching or tearing of laminate 18 will not occur by reason ofbending pieces 14 and 16 with respect to central member 12, toaccommodate the molding to the surface to which it will be applied.

In FIG. 2, the laminating process includes application of an endlesspiece of elastic laminate 18 over a transfer roll 28 to applicationrolls 30, adhesive or other bonding material having been applied beneathlaminate 18. If desired, substrate 10 may be fireproofed or metal cladprior to application of the laminate 18. Once laminate 18 is applied, apair of cutters, one of which is shown at 32, are employed to re-rabbetangle grooves 20 and 22 to a depth immediately beneath V grooves 24 and26 (FIG. 3). This novel three step process of rabbeting, applying anelastic laminate, and rerabbeting the substrate has two primary anddistinct advantages over the prior art. First, substrate 10, being onlypartially rabbeted initially, remains in a uniplanar condition forlamination, so that lamination can occur in a single step, upon a flat,prepared surface. Secondly, grooves 24 and 26 present a bending pointfor the finished molding which will not allow the substrate material totear the laminate. Additionally, the presence of grooves 24 and 26assure that the final rerabbeting of angle grooves 20 and 22 will nottear laminate 18, since re-rabbeting need only reach a point immediatelybeneath the depth of V-grooves 24 and 26 in order to segment thesubstrate 10 into three distinct pieces 12, 14 and 16, rather thanimmediately beneath the surface of laminate 18, as shown in the priorart discussed above.

FIGS. 4 through 6 indicate three basic configurations for the invention,for use as a door jamb (FIG. 4) with a door stop 34 applied thereto, aswindow frame molding (FIG. 5), and as trim molding (FIG. 6) or one-halfofa door jamb; this will be further amplified below with reference toFIG. 24. It will be noted in FIG. 5 that one stock piece 16 is rotated180 from the attitude shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 6, the molding is asshown in FIG. 4, without the door stop, and sawed longitudinally inhalf. Of course, the material forming stock pieces 14 and 16 and centralmember 12 need not be of the dimensions shown. For example, thinnermaterial such as 3 inch plywood might be used (not shown). At any rate,it is clear that the molding possesses sufficient versatility to beconformed to an infinite variety of attitudes to serve the purposes of adoor jamb assembly, window frame molding, and general trim, corner, andopening moldmg.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 through 14, and 21 through 24, application of theinvention as a door jamb assembly will be discussed. In FIG. 7, thecomplete door jamb assembly comprises a header 36, a hinge jamb 38, anda strike jamb 40. With respect to FIG. 4, central member 12 forms themain jamb piece for header 36 and jambs 38 and 40 while side stockpieces 14 and 16 form side trim pieces for the main jamb piece. Doorstop 34 is nailed or otherwise suitably attached to header 36 and jambs38, 40 approximately medially thereof. Hinge jamb 38 includes threerouted out areas 42, 42, 42 which serve as the usual mounting points forthe door hinges (not shown) and strike jamb 40 includes routed area 44,for the usual strike plate (not shown) and a second, deep routed area 46for reception of the usual lock latch (not shown). F ragmentarysectional FIGS. 12 and 14 illustrate one hinge area 42, and strike platearea 44 with lock latch area 46 in elevation, respectively. FIG. 13 isquite similar to FIG. 4, in showing a cross-section of the strike jamb.FIG. 24 illustrates a slightly different arrangement of the door jambassembly, in cross-section similar to FIG. 13. In this instance, trimpieces 14 and 16 remain the same, but the central member forming themain jamb is longitudinally split into two halves 48 and 50. A plurality.of blind pins 52 are inserted in the facing side walls 54 and 56 ofjamb halves 48 and 50, as the entire jamb assembly is installed into adoorway opening. In other words, each half 48, 50 is installed fromopposite sides of the doorway (not shown) whereafter pins 52 areinserted to lock the assembly in place, followed by installation of theusual door stop 34 thereover. In this case, the jamb assembly isconstructed of two halves of the item as it appears in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8 through 11 inclusive best indicate the novel flexible strapmeans used to secure the three parts of the jamb assembly, or header 36,hinge jarnb 38, and strike jamb 40, into a single unitary assembly formounting in a doorway opening. First, the molding assembly forming theheader and side jambs is miter cut on a 45 angle, with side trim l4 and16 in the attitude shown in FIG. 8, to the finished dimension required.The bases of hinge jamb 38 and strike jamb 40 are cut on a angle (FIG.7). The adjoining ends of header 36 and hinge jamb 38, and header 36 andstrike jamb 40 each have a lateral slot 58 formed therethrough forreception of a flexible strap 60, threaded therethrough as illustratedin FIG. 8. The free distal ends of strap 60 are secured in place bysuitable means such as screws 62. Preferably, strap 60 is constructed ofnylon or similar material which will form a strong webbing. A wedge 64is inserted under strap 60, once installed, to

tighten the strap so that members are firmly secured together.

FIGS. 9,- and 11 indicate another embodiment of anchoring the strap 60.Strap has one digital end anchored as described above with respect toFIG. 8. The other distal end is provided with a central hole 66 and apair of slots 68, 68, for reception of a screw 70 and stamped prongs 72,72 of a pivot plate 74, respectively. Pivot plate 74 is mounted within arecess 76 (FIG. 10) and pivoted downwardly as shown after hooks 72, 72are engaged with slots 68, 68, whereupon screw 70 is threaded into placeto lock the header and side jamb into a firm, tight assembly. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 11 is analogous to that illustrated by FIGS. 9and 10, save that pivot plate 74 is replaced by a hinge 78.

In each case, slots 58 should be placed near the adjoining edges of theheader with the side jarnbs so that the lower ends of jambs 38 and 40(FIG. 7) may be flexed inwardly with respect to the doorway opening asthe jamb assembly is installed into place.

FIGS. 21 through 23 illustrate yet another embodiment of the moldingused to form a door jamb assembly. In this case, the molding is undercutor rabbeted with a plurality of grooves 80 (FIG. 22) so that a number oflongitudinal folding lines for the molding are formed. Again, an elasticlaminate '18 extends across the entire exposed surface of the molding.The three outside segments 82, 84 and 86 of each side of the moldingform trim members 14 and 16, two immediately interior sections 88 and 90form the central member or jamb 12, and the three outer strips 92, 92and'94 are folded to form the door stop 34. A base strip 96 is insertedbehind door stop 34, between sections 88 and 90, as a filler. A shimstrip 97 with nails 98 is used to secure the jamb assembly together, andto stud 100 of the doorway opening. After this, the pieces 82, 84 and 86may be folded into position (FIG. 21) and secured by blind clips 102,mounted through ears 104 of shim strip 97, to pieces 82, 82. Glue orother suitable adhe-, sive may be applied within grooves 80 as the jambassembly is installed.

The unique method of installation of the earlier embodiment of theinvention is depicted in FIGS. 15

through 18. FIG. 15 shows installation, in cross-section, of the jamb ina standard doorway which includes a stud 106 and wall surfaces 108 and110. The portion of the jamb shown includes central member 12 and sideor trim pieces 14 and 16. Trim member 14 is folded inwardly towards thecenter of the doorway opening, as shown in dot and dash lines, so thatthe jamb assembly may be slipped into the doorway, whereupon shims (notshown) may be inserted between stud 106 and central member 12 to finallyposition the jamb. Thereafter, trim member 16 is nailed into wall 108,and trim member 14 is folded to the position shown in solid lines andnailed into place; nails 112 are illustrated in dash lines. Preferably,adhesive or glue will be applied along the junction of central member 12with trim members 14 and 16 to assure a permanent installation.

In FIG. 16, a similar assembly method is shown, save that a metal stripshim 114 is employed, which is screwed or otherwise suitably attached tocentral member 12 at 116. In turn, shim 114 is nailed to walls 108 andat 112. Finally, blind clips 118 are used to secure trim members 14 and16 inplace; thus the appearance of the laminate 18 is enhanced, in thatthe surface is not penetrated by nails.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the novel jamb installation process fromanother point of view, or vertically above the doorway, where horizontalheader stud 120 is shown with walls 108 and 110 and vertical stud 122.The jamb assembly is inserted as explained with respect to FIG. 16, FIG.18 illustrating a portion of header jamb 36 and vertical jamb 34.

The novel molding assembly may also be used as window frame trim asillustrated fragmentarily in FIGS. 19 and 20. Parts forming a standardwindow include exterior wall 124, interior wall 126, stud 128, framing130, window 132 and window sill 134. The molding is arranged as shown inFIG. 5, with trim member 14 and central member 12 forming an insidecorner (FIG. 19) and trim member 16 and central member 12 forming anoutside corner (FIGS. 19 and 20). Of course, the substrate materialforming members 12, 14 and 16 need not be so thick as depicted; thinnermaterial may be employed. In FIG. 20, only an outside corner is needed,so trim member 14 is dispensed with. As shown in FIG. 25, the unitsforming the window frame trim may be held together by a novel cornerclip 136, inserted into saw slots 138, 138 formed in central members 12,12. The outer distal edges. 140, of clip 136 are crimped angularlyinwardly, and slots 138, 138 are formed parallel therewith in order toform a secure joint between members 12, 12. If desired, this corner clipassembly may be used with the door jamb assembly to hold units 34, 36and 38 together (FIG. 7).

We claim:

1. A molding assembly of indeterminate length for carpentry constructiontrim use, comprising:

a. a central, elongate member including:

1. means defining a first surface;

2. means defining a second surface; and

3. means defining a pair of side faces joining said first and secondsurfaces; the junction of said side faces withsaid first surface forminga pair of approximately parallel side edges; b. a pair of elongate sidestock pieces each including: 1. means defining first and second stockpiece surfaces;

.2. means defining an outer side face; and

3. means defining an inner side face; the junction of said stock piecefirst surface and said inner face forming a stock piece edge, arrangedto lie approximately coincident with one of said central member sideedges; and

c. flexible means for joining the first surfaces of said stock pieces tothe first surfaces of said central member;

d. two depressed areas in said central member first surface and one eachdepressed area in each of said side piece first surfaces, said areasbeing formed in said surfaces along the parallel lines where saidsurfaces are joined by said flexible means;

whereby axes of rotation are provided for the stock pieces about thecentral member along lines defined by the junctions of said flexiblemembers, central member side edges, and stock piece edges, so as toaccommodate said molding assembly to a surface upon which it isinstalled and whereby the external face of the flexible means presents aslightly rounded face at the joint; said molding assembly comprising adoor jamb assembly, including:

a. a generally horizontally disposed header;

b. a generally vertically arranged hinge jamb; and

c. a generally vertically arranged strike jamb; said central elongatemember forming said header, hinge and strike jambs, and said pair ofelongate stock pieces forming external trim members for said header,hinge and strike jambs; said door jamb assembly including means forjoining said header, door jamb and strike jamb into a single article ofmanufacture; said means for joining said header, door jamb and strikejamb comprising a pair of flexible straps, one joining the header withthe door jamb, the other jining the header with the strike jamb; andeach of said flexible straps including means for anchoring said strap tothe header and adjacent jamb, comprising:

a. means defining a slot in the header, near an end thereof, atgenerally a right angle to the length thereof;

b. means defining a slot in the jamb, near an end thereof adjacent theheader, approximately parallel to said header slot; and

c. means firmly securing the free distal ends of said strap to the jamband the header, respectively;

said strap being threaded through said slots, said strap distal endsbeing secured on the rear, unexposed surfaces of said jamb and header,respectively.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible meanscomprise an elastic laminate, substantially covering the exposedportions of said central member and stock pieces when the moldingassembly is in an installed position.

3. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said elastic laminateincludes a wood grained surface in external appearance.

4. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said central member sideedges and said stock piece edges are bevelled at said axes of rotationso as to form a pair of grooves, generally V-shaped in cross-section,the apex of the V-groove being disposed away from said elastic laminateto prevent fracture of said laminate as said stock pieces are rotated.

5. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein the central memberforming said header, hinge and strike jambs comprises two elongate basestrips including means for joining said base strips together.

6. The invention as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for joiningsaid base strips together comprise:

a. a door stop, over the junction of said base strips;

and

b. pin means, located behind the door stop, insertable into said basestrips at the junction thereof.

7. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for joiningsaid header, door jamb and strike jamb comprise a pair of comer clips,one joining the header with the door jamb, the other joining the headerwith the strike jamb, and each including:

a. a relatively stiff (sheet metal) member having a pair of flangesdisposed at approximately 90, one to the other, the outer free edge ofeach flange being turned down at an acute angle with respect to theflange; and

b. means defining a pair of slots, one in the header and one in thejamb, for receiving said acute angle flange edges.

8. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means firmlysecuring the free distal ends of said strap comprise:

a. a plurality of screws, threaded through said distal ends to said jamband header, respectively; and

b. a wedge, insertable under the strap between a slot and a strap distalend, for tensioning the strap to provide a rigid interconnection of theheader with a jamb.

9. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said means firmlysecuring the free distal ends of the strap include a strap end tensionanchor, comprising:

a. plate means having hook means to engage one strap distal end;

b. means for pivotally mounting the plate means to stretch the flexiblestrap taut; and

c. threaded means for firmly mounting the plate means after the strap isstretched taut.

10. The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein said plate meanscomprise a leaf hinge, one leaf having said hooks formed thereon forengaging said one strap end.

11. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said stock piecesforming said external trim members comprise multiple elongate trimstrips, and said central elongate member comprises a plurality ofelongate base strips, said flexible means comprising an elasticlaminate, substantially covering the exposed portions of said door jambassembly in an installed position, said base and trim strips being of anumber and arranged so that said molding assembly may be folded to formsaid external trim members, said header, hinge and strike jambs, and adoor stop, medially of said header, hinge and strike jambs.

12. The invention as recited in claim 11 wherein said door jamb assemblyfurther comprises shim means for mounting the door jamb assembly in awall opening.

13. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said molding assemblycomprises a window frame molding trim for at least the two verticalsides and horizontal head of a window frame, said central member forminga window frame head and two side jambs, said elongate stock piecesforming trim members disposed at generally right angles to the head andside jambs, respectively.

14. The invention as recited in claim 13 wherein said window framemolding trim includes means for joining said head and side jambs into asingle unit, comprising a pair of comer clips, one joining the head jamband one of said two side jambs, the other joining the head jamb with theother of said two side jambs, each said corner clip comprising:

a. a relatively stiff, sheet metal member having a pair of flangesdisposed at approximately one to the other, the outer free edge of eachflange being turned downwardly at an acute angle with respect to theflange; and

b. means defining a pair of slots, one in the head jamb and one in aside jamb, for receiving said acute angle flange edges.

15. The invention as recited in claim 13 wherein said window framemolding trim includes means for joining said head and side jambs into asingle unit, comprising a pair of flexible straps, each strap having apair of free distal ends, one strap joining the head jamb and one sidejamb, the other strap joining the head jamb and the other side jamb,said straps being secured to the head and side jambs at their said freedistal ends.

16. The invention as recited in claim 15 wherein said means for joiningsaid head and side jambs further comprise tension means for stretchingeach strap so as to rigidly secure each side jamb to the head jamb.

1. A molding assembly of indeterminate length for carpentry constructiontrim use, comprising: a. a central, elongate member including:
 1. meansdefining a first surface;
 2. means defining a second surface; and 3.means defining a pair of side faces joining said first and secondsurfaces; the junction of said side faces with said first surfaceforming a pair of approximately parallel side edges; b. a pair ofelongate side stock pieces each including:
 1. means defining first andsecond stock piece surfaces;
 2. means defining an outer side face; and3. means defining an inner side face; the junction of said stock piecefirst surface and said inner face forming a stock piece edge, arrangedto lie approximately coincident with one of said central member sideedges; and c. flexible means for joining the first surfaces of saidstock pieces to the first surfaces of said central member; d. twodepressed areas in said central member first surface and one eachdepressed area in each of said side piece first surfaces, said areasbeing formed in said surfaces along the parallel lines where saidsurfaces are joined by said flexible means; whereby axes of rotation areprovided for the stock pieces about the central member along linesdefined by the junctions of said flexible members, central member sideedges, and stock piece edges, so as to accommodate said molding assemblyto a surface upon which it is installed and whereby the external face ofthe flexible means presents a slightly rounded face at the joint; saidmolding assembly comprising a door jamb assembly, including: a. agenerally horizontally disposed header; b. a generally verticallyarranged hinge jamb; and c. a generally vertically arranged strike jamb;said central elongate member forming said header, hinge and strikejambs, and said pair of elongate stock pieces forming external trimmembers for said header, hinge and strike jambs; said door jamb assemblyincluding means for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb intoa single article of manufacture; said means for joining said header,door jamb and strike jamb comprising a pair of flexible straps, onejoining the header with the door jamb, the other jining the header withthe strike jamb; and each of said flexible straps including means foranchoring said strap to the header and adjacent jamb, comprising: a.means defining a slot in the header, near an end thereof, at generally aright angle to the length thereof; b. means defining a slot in the jamb,near an end thereof adjacent the header, approximately parallel to saidheader slot; and c. means firmly securing the free distal ends of saidstrap to the jamb and the header, respectively; said strap beingthreaded through said slots, said strap distal ends being secured on therear, unexposed surfaces of said jamb and header, respectively.
 2. meansdefining a second surface; and
 2. means defining an outer side face; and2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible meanscomprise an elastic laminate, substantially covering the exposedportions of said central member and stock pieces when the moldingassembly is in an installed position.
 3. means defining an inner sideface; the junction of said stock piece first surface and said inner faceforming a stock piece edge, arranged to lie approximately coincidentwith one of said central member side edges; and c. flexible means forjoining the first surfaces of said stock pieces to the first surfaces ofsaid central member; d. two depressed areas in said central member firstsurface and one each depressed area in each of said side piece firstsurfaces, said areas being formed in said surfaces along the parallellines where said surfaces are joined by said flexible means; wherebyaxes of rotation are provided for the stock pieces about the centralmember along lines defined by the junctions of said flexible members,central member side edges, and stock piece edges, so as to accommodatesaid molding assembly to a surface upon which it is installed andwhereby the external face of the flexible means presents a slightlyrounded face at the joint; said molding assembly comprising a door jambassembly, including: a. a generally horizontally disposed header; b. agenerally vertically arranged hinge jamb; and c. a generally verticallyarranged strike jamb; said central elongate member forming said header,hinge and strike jambs, and said pair of elongate stock pieces formingexternal trim members for said header, hinge and strike jambs; said doorjamb assembly including means for joining said header, door jamb andstrike jamb into a single article of manufacture; said means for joiningsaid header, door jamb and strike jamb comprising a pair of flexiblestraps, one joining the header with the door jamb, the other jining theheader with the strike jamb; and each of said flexible straps includingmeans for anchoring said strap to the header and adjacent jamb,comprising: a. means defining a slot in the header, near an end thereof,at generally a right angle to the length thereof; b. means defining aslot in the jamb, near an end thereof adjacent the header, approximatelyparallel to said header slot; and c. means firmly securing the freedistal ends of said strap to the jamb and the header, respectively; saidstrap being threaded through said slots, said strap distal ends beingsecured on the rear, unexposed surfaces of said jamb and header,respectively.
 3. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein saidelastic laminate includes a wood grained surface in external appearance.3. means defining a pair of side faces joining said first and secondsurfaces; the junction of said side faces with said first surfaceforming a pair of approximately parallel side edges; b. a pair ofelongate side stock pieces each including:
 4. The invention as recitedin claim 2 wherein said central member side edges and said stock pieceedges are bevelled at said axes of rotation so as to form a pair ofgrooves, generally V-shaped in cross-section, the apex of the V-groovebeing disposed away from said elastic laminate to prevent fracture ofsaid laminate as said stock pieces are rotated.
 5. The invention asrecited in claim 1 wherein the central member forming said header, hingeand strike jambs comprises two elongate base strips including means forjoining said base strips together.
 6. The invention as recited in claim5 wherein said means for joining said base strips together comprise: a.a door stop, over the junction of said base strips; and b. pin means,located behind the door stop, insertable into said base strips at thejunction thereof.
 7. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein saidmeans for joining said header, door jamb and strike jamb comprise a pairof corner clips, one joining the header with the door jamb, the otherjoining the header with the strike jamb, and each including: a. arelatively stiff (sheet metal) member having a pair of flanges disposedat approximately 90*, one to the other, the outer free edge of eachflange being turned down at an acute angle with respect to the flange;and b. means defining a pair of slots, one in the header and one in thejamb, for receiving said acute angle flange edges.
 8. The invention asrecited in claim 1 wherein said means firmly securing the free distalends of said strap comprise: a. a plurality of screws, threaded throughsaid distal ends to said jamb and header, respectively; and b. a wedge,insertable under the strap between a slot and a strap distal end, fortensioning the strap to provide a rigid interconnection of the headerwith a jamb.
 9. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said meansfirmly securing the free distal ends of the strap include a strap endtension anchor, comprising: a. plate means having hook means to engageone strap distal end; b. means for pivotally mounting the plate means tostretch the flexible strap taut; and c. threaded means for firmlymounting the plate means after the strap is stretched taut.
 10. Theinvention as recited in claim 9 wherein said plate means comprise a leafhinge, one leaf having said hooks formed thereon for engaging said onestrap end.
 11. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said stockpieces forming said external trim members comprise multiple elongatetrim strips, and said central elongate member comprises a plurality ofelongate base strips, said flexible means comprising an elasticlaminate, substantially covering the exposed portions of said door jambassembly in an installed position, said base and trim strips being of anumber and arranged so that said molding assembly may be folded to formsaid external trim members, said header, hinge and strike jambs, and adoor stop, medially of said header, hinge and strike jambs.
 12. Theinvention as recited in claim 11 wherein said door jamb assembly furthercomprises shim means for mounting the door jamb assembly in a wallopening.
 13. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said moldingassembly comprises a window frame molding trim for at least the twovertical sides and horizontal head of a window frame, said centralmember forming a window frame head and two side jambs, said elongatestock pieces forming trim members disposed at generally right angles tothe head and side jambs, respectively.
 14. The invention as recited inclaim 13 wherein said window frame molding trim includes means forjoining said head and side jambs into a single unit, comprising a pairof corner clips, one joining the head jamb and one of said two sidejambs, the other joining the head jamb with the other of said two sidejambs, each said corner clip comprising: a. a relatively stiff, sheetmetal member having a pair of flanges disposed at approximately 90*, oneto the other, the outer free edge of each flange being turned downwardlyat an acute angle with respect to the flange; and b. means defining apair of slots, one in the head jamb and one in a side jamb, forreceiving said acute angle flange edges.
 15. The invention as recited inclaim 13 wherein said window frame molding trim includes means forjoining said head and side jambs into a single unit, comprising a pairof flexible straps, each strap having a pair of free distal ends, onestrap joining the head jamb and one side jamb, the other strap joiningthe head jamb aNd the other side jamb, said straps being secured to thehead and side jambs at their said free distal ends.
 16. The invention asrecited in claim 15 wherein said means for joining said head and sidejambs further comprise tension means for stretching each strap so as torigidly secure each side jamb to the head jamb.